Big Sexy's big bang

Heavyweight Turner packs one hell of a punch

27 June 2015 03:00 AM

"I go into the ring to put people to sleep," Dublin heavyweight Sean Turner once told us.

Since the former Irish amateur champion known as Big Sexy turned professional, he's been making good on his trade description, administering an anaesthetic to three of the four opponents he's met. The fourth, he just pummelled into submission.

As Turner prepares to meet Janis Ginters (5-9-1, 5 KOs) on the undercard of Jamie Conlan's WBO Inter-Continental super flyweight title defence in the National Stadium on July 4, his coach Tony Davitt is worried Turner might punch himself out of competition.

"People know about Sean's phenomenal punching power," he says. "It's getting to the stage where boxers won't want to fight him, which will make it hard for him to get the fights he needs to move up the rankings."

Davitt is hoping that the exposure on Box Nation will persuade promoters to offer Turner fights.

"Sean has plenty of talent," he says. "He has a good eye and big punching power. He can give the punters what they want. Excitement."

Big Sexy has gained valuable experience as a sparring partner for both Tyson and Hughie Fury under coach Peter Fury.

"This is just Sean's fifth pro fight," says Davitt. "He's in against a big man, 6' 3", with a strong arm and a long reach. But he's up for it and has been putting in the work."

As he prepares under the watchful eye of Davitt, the experienced coach says, "Sean is a tough customer. If he delivers right, they're gone."